Porcelain and Hongni
Posted: Fri Jul 13, 2018 3:55 pm
I have been doing a lot of tastings and comparisons lately between porcelain and decent hongnis (mostly natural green label clay). I did this in order to examine the claim that unless one has those rare ROC or pre-1977 red clay pots, there is really no advantage in using a hongni over porcelain, besides the pot’s aesthetic value, a cha dan, or just the fun. (That said, there is certainly an advantage in using brown/dark clays with teas that can use it over porcelain).
I must first say that it’s a very difficult comparison as the gaiwan’s quick pour will almost always lead to a different brew than a pot, even if the pot pours fast. I find this very hard to control. Besides that, the tea brewed in the hongni felt somewhat thicker and heavier, perhaps more concentrated, and having a slightly stronger body. I guess some of this might be explained by the relatively slow pour of the pot comparing to the gaiwan. I was mostly experimenting with yancha, and for now concluded that if there is another advantage for a hongni, perhaps it is the ability to make a relatively strong brew with less leaf but the clarity porcelain provides is certainly something I like very much.
Do you find a decent hongni preferable to porcelain for other reasons? Would be glad to hear your opinion
I must first say that it’s a very difficult comparison as the gaiwan’s quick pour will almost always lead to a different brew than a pot, even if the pot pours fast. I find this very hard to control. Besides that, the tea brewed in the hongni felt somewhat thicker and heavier, perhaps more concentrated, and having a slightly stronger body. I guess some of this might be explained by the relatively slow pour of the pot comparing to the gaiwan. I was mostly experimenting with yancha, and for now concluded that if there is another advantage for a hongni, perhaps it is the ability to make a relatively strong brew with less leaf but the clarity porcelain provides is certainly something I like very much.
Do you find a decent hongni preferable to porcelain for other reasons? Would be glad to hear your opinion